Morphological Variation in Bitter Leaf Accessions (Vernonia amygdalina) in IfiteOgwari, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

In spite of the increasing relevance and benefits of bitter leaf, especially in southern part of Nigeria were the leaves are mostly used to prepare unique delicacy, there is still dearth information on the genetic variability among different Vernonia amygdalina found in Southern part of Nigeria especially Anambra State.The major aim of this work is to; assess the morphologicalcharacteristics of various accessions collected. Determine if variation in bitter leaf can be assessed by its morphological features. The research was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ifite-Ogwari, Anambra state, Nigeria. The experiment was carried out as a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) which was replicated three times. Statistically there was no significant difference among the accessions. Ifite-Ogwari and Umunze gave a significant increase in both growth parameters and yield. Therefore, planting of the accessions respectively is well recommended for optimum production of bitter leaf plant in southern part of Nigeria.